Cost of Living: Louisville, KY vs Dearborn, MI (2026)

Louisville

Kentucky
74
VS

Dearborn

Michigan
79

Louisville is 6% cheaper than Dearborn.

$1,069/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,264/mo ↑ 18%
$64,731/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$65,192/yr ≈ Same
$221,500 ↑ 8%
Home Value
$205,900 ↓ 7%
$1,118/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,174/mo ↑ 5%
627,210
Population
107,846

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
4.25%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.83%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Louisville, KY and Dearborn, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $195/month cheaper in Louisville, saving renters about $2,340/year.

Median household income is $461/year higher in Dearborn. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Louisville is $221,500 compared to $205,900 in Dearborn.

Kentucky has a lower income tax rate, making Louisville slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Louisville vs Dearborn — common questions

Is Louisville or Dearborn cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Louisville is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 79 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Louisville and Dearborn?
Median rent in Louisville is $1,069/month and in Dearborn it's $1,264/month — a difference of $195/month.
Which city has higher income, Louisville or Dearborn?
Median household income is $64,731 in Louisville and $65,192 in Dearborn. Median household income is $461/year higher in Dearborn.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and Michigan?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Louisville or Dearborn?
It depends on your priorities. Louisville has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,069/mo, while Dearborn has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,264/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Louisville details → View Dearborn details →

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